Some people have criticized The Edge for relying on effects rather than ability. All I can say is, that the guy has found his own 'sound', which many egotistical 'speed freaks' never do. He is genuinely out to enhance the songs and support the band. You really have to admire that!
As Bono once presented him: "The Scientist in the family". He is the reason why I picked up a guitar four years ago now and keep playing today. What a talented guy. Respect!
Totally agree...(although I picked up guitar after watching him on 'Live under a blood red sky' when I was 14 which was now 40 years ago....arghhhh!!!) Edge is awesome!!
Dallas is a massive part of the Edge's sound. He's a very humble and clever man. Does whatever needs to be done for the creative process to run smoothly. He knows where the Edge is going and is there everytime. Such a great team.
He plays what flows from him, simplicity. Learn to accept it, he has created awesome riffs and melodies to legendary songs like "One", "Where The Streets Have No Name", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", "With Or Without You" and some more. He's got his style, let him play his style. If you like shredding go somewhere else because The Edge will never do that. His simplicity has worked for him. Let's cut off the criticism.
Bang on, It's worked well for him,And some of the sounds like in Mysterious Ways, streets have no name, Im actually learning bass but wanted to put him through his paces as to get a better feel of my playing along with them,With or without you is great to play to,again,but on bass even that is kept simplistic, U2 were/are/was big,Why such criticism of late?
I appreciate what you'd posted but lets be honest. I am probably a guy who will defend the band at all cost. But the edge is average at best. Not a cords guy but an excellent compliment to BONO. You have to respect and salute the edge to how far he's come.
@@ABN6565 , Van Gogh was also an only average painter, but he invented something different, never seen before. That is why he is more important than others.
@@weizenobstmusli8232 I stand behind my words. A very good band together, but still the Edge is and Average at best guitar player. Actually a Better song wtiter. Don't worry I hit every show in Baltimore and Philly. It is what I do. it's not hating, ctho
The solo Edge plays from The Fly is my absolute favorite of all of his incredible pieces. When it’s played live it just soars through the sky, clouds, around the sun and back again. It’s what music is supposed to do.
Didn't guns n roses out beat them, i love u2 but their in my top 10 but during that era i would say guns, and ik most of everyone here are for that sweet tone.
The Edge is brilliant. He is so humble and just loves to play music. I have to give credit to Dallas thought (Edge's assistant) for always doing the best he can when going on tour with the band. U2 is amazing.
I kind of love the fact Edge is so up-front about how important Dallas is to his setup. Even here, where he probably didn't strictly need Dallas, the message is like, "Here's Dallas, he's important, let's have him onscreen too." I bet there are a few guitarists out there who rely on their techs just as much and give them a lot less credit!
Dallas is like Edge's short-term memory for his settings and axes, he really depends on him, and only an idiot would ignore the importance of one's tech in that sense.
It's like Warren Haynes and Brian Farmer, who passed away recently. The Farmer used to get applause from audiences regularly. Guitarists who acknowledge their assistants are more human.
I love how Dallas knows every setting even better than Edge does. He's awesome and and huge part of making The Edge even greater of a guitarist. They are both wizards at their craft!
I love Edge because he relatable. The man is by no means a virtuoso anything. Has a knack for melody for sure, but he's as real as most of us idiots here. I wonder if Dallas is also his butler at home.
Dallas has become a celebrity in itself. He writes down every change Edge does in studio, rehearsals, soundcheck & during shows: Dallas jots it down. U2 records everything, so they can go back to get that exact sound. That's what it's all about. You need check out more than just this video tho. Edge can shred, play trad. blues, all these common, overdone things. Rare occasions for him - but he can but chose not to for his band. Gets all my respect. 1 of a kind, hence the respect from the Vai's
How can you not love this guy? Humble as anyone can be and he's still at the top of the world. Go make your own fucking documentary and invite who ever you want instead.
I'm not a big U2 fan particularly but love what The Edge has done with the guitar over the years. Although U2 became this massive stadium act The Edge started out a post-punk guitarist. Post-punk eschewed 'rockist' cliches and was about textures, experimentation, going off in new directions. Over the years he's certainly played plenty of more conventional guitar parts but he's still fundamentally attracted by those post-punk ideas. 'Shred fundamentalists' just don't get this. I can appreciate what Steve Vai does but it doesn't mean I have to denigrate different approaches in the instrument.
When I was younger I took Edge's contribution to U2''s sound for granted. He doesn't often draw attention to himself in the way other guitarists do but he is so ever-present in their sound.
4:05 Line 6 Variax Accoustic 700. I have it. This is actually one of the best accoustics I've ever played with. It is great for live a presentation because it is very confortable, very light, very easy to play and you have tons of tones inside it. Nevertheless, you don't have to worry with feedback because it is solid.
Seeing people comment how useless he is with his gear, but to an extent, that's a good thing. He focuses on what he's playing instead of the gear he has and how to use it. He has someone set it up, and explain it to him so he does what he needs. He's got a great ear for tone and music theory. He clearly knows what he's doing in the way of guitar purchases, seeing that all of the ones on the left are superb.
Edge gives his critics the one finger salute when he launched into Zoo Tv tour bullet the blue sky lead. What a legend I can only admire him for his achievements.
Very modern player, in that his "instrument" extends beyond the actual guitar. You could say this makes him more an artist than a musician. But they're all just words - U2's contribution to modern music speaks for itself, and this guy made that happen...
Also, Edge hardly ever invented anything. But he's good in discovering ideas, take them on and make it his own. A bit of stealing but in Edge's case he stumbled over a guitar tone that captivated him as teenager and he has since cultivated the style. "Streets" might be easy to play but that's us discussing something that effectively didn't exist until Edge came up with it. This is a pioneering spirit and on top loved by millions - for that alone he belongs in to the top shelf of guitarists.
I don't know anyone who can play this riff and make it sound like this. The Edge has absolutely incredible skills. He doesn't spend all his notes or overplay, he really knows how to get the most out of his effects (which takes half a life-time to really nail down) and he has the most recognizable sound in Rock and Pop. He's the Shiz ;)
The Edge is old now and probably has hundreds of settings and uses loads of guitars. Just because he doesn't shredd doesn't mean he can't play. ..check them out live. .he's amazing.
The Edge is the only guitarist I know who uses delays extensively and makes original, beautiful sounds. He's a genius with regards to delays. Difficult to duplicate. Tnx for sharing this video. :-)
the thing i like the most about The Edge is that he is totally devoid of ego, he is down to earth, all about the band and always directs praise away from himself. a true gent and a credit to our country
Guitaristry must truly be one of those skills that lies between science and art. It was cool how it was made noticeable that one guitar would give different undertones to one song than another. Mind-blowing!
@xxNailFirexx He's using the Korg A3 for this. It's a preset that he slightly tweaked. It's a very unique effect that is pretty much exclusive to the A3. I've heard many trying to emulate that sound using alternative gear but it's never close enough IMO. I bought a second hand A3, selected that preset and there was that Mysterious Ways tone. Same for Zooropa, Numb and a few others.
In essence the effect is a reverb with just the reverbed sound pitch shifted. Edge uses a lot of high end gear for that. Companies such as Line6 and Behringer amongst some other have recreated Edge's sound he refers to as "Shimmer". Look out for the Line6 Verbzilla (preset Octo) and the Behringer Reverb Machine (preset Space). It's his shimmer sound in a stomp box. It's also used on the ZooTV version of Running to stand still, Miracle Drug and a zillion other U2 tunes.
Well said. And beyond that, he's highly melodic, and while he doesn't shred *yawn*, his voicings and progressions are always so memorable. He is definitely unique.
I love that the Edge comes across as an absent minded professor/alchemist in his "Lab" He's like a soul food chef who cooks from the heart "Recipe? What reciple? I just do it"
1 aspect of U2 that grates on me and that's the musicians under the stage. I'm glad they aren't on stage as I want to see a 4 piece rock band not an orchestra of session players and I'd rather have U2 reconsider and scale it down - even if it means the songs would require some rewriting. But the work they've done since on record is IMO actually superior to their 80s output. I'm a fan of especially their debut Boy, Unforg. Fire, Zooropa, Baby but the most recent No Line is massively underrated.
From what I have read, he has worked for over 30 years with his guitar tech Dallas Schoo in a collaborative process to create complex sounds with chains of different guitar effects and guitars, these are different for every album, and sometimes for every song, so yes he needs his tech to show him how to access certain sounds.
Great to have these discussion without resorting to some of the insults I've seen on so many posts on You Tube. I was really into U2 when I started teaching myself to play many years ago. I could play but never really 'loved' playing and so drifted to and from the guitar for years. Although I'd always loved F/Mac I'd never watched Buckingham play until 'The Dance' and that was an eye opener. Started to learn fingerstyle and have never touched a pick since. Now I love playing as I should have:)
I think edge is underrated in the effect he's had on guitar sounds. I know Eddie Van Halen created a new way to look at the guitar but Edge is his way has also done that. Just not as dramatic or bombastic but equally significant (in my opinion)
I agree. EVH is perhaps my favorite rock musician but Edge has had a massive influence on guitarists over the years. U2 just became so big that their reach was worldwide. People in the US would find it hard to believe but VH never really became that famous in Europe , UK or the rest of the world outside the US. They certainly were not a household name when I was growing up in the UK but even my Grandma knew who U2 was. You didn't hear too many EVH clones coming out of non US countries, whereas the Edge and U2 had thousands of wannabe clone bands worldwide. Both guitarists strengths lie in great creative riffs and good songwriting, something which was particularly lost on the EVH clones. They copied the salt and pepper but didn't know how to make the pie. EVH really is one of my favorites but I think his influence on guitar is overstated and over romanticized. I know popularity contests don't matter when it comes down to a musicians ability and merit, but they do matter when you talk about how influential somebody is, and on a worldwide level U2 were simply more popular during the 80s, 90s and 2000nds. They are one of the few stadium level bands and their exposure was just so much wider than most other bands. The Edge kind of picked up where Andy Summers left off with The Police in creating great riffs, beautiful textural tones, creative effects and big sounds without having to resort to high gain.
dude, keep it in perspective. edge is renown for building his rig. One of the largest pro touring rigs in the world, and he's full in control. His slave as u call him is Dallas Schoo, who's been with Edge for over 20 years, b4 w Prince, etc. Them 2 are friends as much as they work together. Do some Googling b4 posting pot shots. But man, thanks telling me I'm no musician. Always wondered, now I know. Tough life. Looking at yr profile, u don't seem to make many "friends" here. Wondering why.
When I was a young (I'm a bit older than The Edge), I was REALLY into effects devices. Fuzz (MANY types), flanger, echo, digital delay, chorus, compressor, rack mount, stomp boxes, etc, etc. And what I found is that you can get so caught up in playing with sounds, that you don't spend enough time composing and playing. And then it keeps it all so complicated. Nowadays, I just like a few nice overdrive/fuzz sounds, bit of reverb/clean sound. All those devices begin to OWN you. Simple is better!
The edge is one of my favorite guitarist, he def has a signiture sound that many people myself included try to emulate. but I can help but think of spinal tap and the part where nigel's showing his guitars off "this one, i've never even played this one don't touch it, don't even point at it, stop looking at it."
Dallas is probably plugging in the guitar for him because it's an interview and they don't want to make it seemless. I'm sure Edge does things himself plenty.
To call Dallas Schoo a guitar tech is a gross understatement. He has to keep that enormous rig working (there's some frail vintage pieces in there), he has at least 50 guitars and a dozen amplifiers to maintain. he also goes out looking for new (used) gear in every city on the globe. He's there for this demonstration. I am a Luthier & I teched for a short while, it's grueling on it's own. But to keep the Edge in order is a monumental task. Dallas became a multi millionaire for his work.
When you look into a painting do you like it because of the colors or because the speed in that toke to paint it....just because Edge doenst play super fast solos dosent mean hes not a great player
The original infinite guitar was invented by Michael Brooke in the mid 1980's and is quite archaic in terms on its construction. Edge used it until the early 90's, then switched to an eBow for some years until Fernandez introduced the Sustainer pickup into their guitars. As player you have a certain freedom to sustain the notes and pick at the same time if wanted to, compared to the eBow where you can't use your right-hand for picking. I assume that's why he's not using the eBow anymore.
I know nothing of what they mean and I know nothing about playing a guitar or the science behind it. All I know is the sound I hear and the reason I’ve been a fan for over 30 years. ❤️ I met the Edge in Dublin and what a humble lovely soul he’s a gentleman
I've been a U2 fan for decades. Have never really thought of The Edge as a guitarist, but more a sound engineer. The feelings and walls of sound he can create are the secret ingredient to the band's success. Many people diss him for not being a shredder or as technically proficient as the big guitar legends, but I'm sure he's fine with that. So many acts have ripped off The Edge's sound to the point where you can even here his signature delays in many rock, pop/dance tracks today. That's probably more the mark of a true influential artist.
He's a great guitarist texturally and emotionally, and stands out, no less, because he doesn't need to shred but supports and enhances the songs. Very influencial.
So I wrote this song when I was in Paris: "Hey tech guy! What tune is the song in?" This song I wrote while on a tour a few years back: "Hey tech guy! What guitar do I play the song on?" Excuse me I have to go to the bathroom: "Hey tech guy! Carry me to the toilet! And my shoe is untied!"
Been a U2 fan for 30+ years. His guitar play is so vitally a part of the U2 sound, his sound is so unique (complex in technology, mood, and cruciality to the music), if not complicated in technique, that without him (with a different guitarist) U2 wouldn't be be themselves. I wouldn't rank him a great technical guitarist, but as a top three most-valuable guitarist to his respective band.
Thanks commenting! I'm very certain, Edge's Spinal Tap references are totally intended. You gotta be able to laugh at yourself and U2 do this very well. U2 have been quoting Spinal Tap on numerous occasions and are well aware that some of their overblown antics are quite comical. Over the years I experienced a very subtle humour the band pokes at themselves for being in the position they are. They are very aware of it and personally I think it's one of many aspects that makes them a great band.
I remember back in 1992 or so, when Mysterious Ways was out, I had a guitar rig that included one of the first Zoom processors. I think it was a 5050 (maybe I am wrong), but it nailed the Mysterious Ways sound perfectly! My housemates were in awe!
That’s 40 years worth of material I’ve been a professional dancer for 24 years And even for me it’s difficult to remember some of my early material even if I have my crewmates round me. it’s the same thing 🙏🏼
If I could have all those guitars and amps and pedals to play with, I would also want a mate to talk about it with. Sounds like man-cave heaven to this guitarist!
It's a team. He knows how to keep the Edge's flow going. Dallas is probably the best guitar tech out their. Paid a fortune for what he does, and what he does he loves. Not a bad life is it?
@@fossilmatic absolutely man. Lonely at the top. Dallas is a genius with guitars. The Edge says can you...and Dallas has already done it. Synergy is a beautiful thing.
This man can make an atmosphere because he's very talented. It doesn't make sence if he uses a big rig or even some stomppedals like in the earlier days. He knows exactly what to expect from each pedal and how to combine them together. His timing with his delay-units is awesome. David Gilmore was also a guy who figured this out in his own style. I've a Boss Gt-6 and do come close but it's a matter of tweaking,tweaking and tweaking. And after that....The real man is called The EDGE !!!
For all the people baffled that The Edge has his guitar tech there, the reason is because he has no idea how to setup his own rig. He didn't even know which guitar at one point here. The Edge says, "I need this tone, this sound, and this..." The guitar tech figures out what equipment/amps/effects/guitar needed to give him that, and sets it all up. The Edge plays the guitar, and knows what happens we steps on what button. A NASCAR driver might be a helluva a racer, but that doesn't mean he knows jack shit about being a mechanic.
+Alex M Actually that's untrue, Alex. Dallas sets it up, but the construction of the rig is something Edge is totally involved in. He knows his rig well enough to put it together and take it apart himself. The fact is there are just so many guitar changes and guitars to handle, that he can't do a show without Dallas and his assistance. Just too much going on, however, Edge knows the rig inside and out. He's a clever chap.
Realmente la virtud , el talento, y humildad es lo que caracteriza a este gran, pero GRAN MUSICO, GRACIAS DAVE EVANS POR ESOS ACORDES FANTÁSTICOS Y PERFECTOS QUE SIEMPRES DAS A TU PÚBLICO!!!
Roger Sullivan His setup is done in a way where all his pedals, amps and rack effects are linked up in parallel to a programmable midi routing/switching system, this is so his live sound is not compromised (unlike most bands who only use a couple of 'alright' all round effects during the whole gig for convenience) So he probably has over a hundred song bank's of presets and in each bank there can be 3-4 presets of sounds for different parts of a song. On top of this his guitars all need to be set up correctly for each song e.g fernandes sustainer. These are all things that the majority of gigging guitarists will never have to consider as they ham out a crappy sounding sweet home alabama straight through a marshall amp with the tone all wrong. It may be complicated and he may need his tech to help him but it beats tap dancing on a dozen pedals or, even worse, compromising on your sound with a watered down setup.
Anyone can learn to play any song, some are brilliant some aren't, only a select few can write and compose great song which he has played a big part in throughout the career of U2. THE INTRO FOR streets is a great example, simple but what an epic opening to a masterpiece album. He makes the guitar sing, many technically astute players don't have an ounce of talent creatively that the Edge has.
Some people have criticized The Edge for relying on effects rather than ability. All I can say is, that the guy has found his own 'sound', which many egotistical 'speed freaks' never do. He is genuinely out to enhance the songs and support the band. You really have to admire that!
For real, its an atmosphere.
That is exactly the difference between a musician that makes you feel and someone that plays fast alone in his bedroom
@@patrickolivier1us dad da
The Edge is a painter, his guitars are his palette. He's a LEGEND !!!
I agree, critics say his playing is unsophisticated, but try to play his parts and nail them with correct rhythm and tone! Good Luck
As Bono once presented him: "The Scientist in the family". He is the reason why I picked up a guitar four years ago now and keep playing today. What a talented guy. Respect!
The Edge inspired me to take up guitar many years in 1991.
❤
Totally agree...(although I picked up guitar after watching him on 'Live under a blood red sky' when I was 14 which was now 40 years ago....arghhhh!!!) Edge is awesome!!
Dallas is a massive part of the Edge's sound. He's a very humble and clever man. Does whatever needs to be done for the creative process to run smoothly. He knows where the Edge is going and is there everytime. Such a great team.
I agree. I kind of wish Edge had acknowledged him more, especially in those moments where it was clear he knew better.
He was lucky he didn't get a slap
I disagree that Dallas is a massive part of edges sound, he’s a massive part of the production however.
@@streetheat3366 Watch more Dallas documentaries and you may change your mind
You couldn't have written this any better.
He plays what flows from him, simplicity. Learn to accept it, he has created awesome riffs and melodies to legendary songs like "One", "Where The Streets Have No Name", "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For", "With Or Without You" and some more. He's got his style, let him play his style. If you like shredding go somewhere else because The Edge will never do that. His simplicity has worked for him. Let's cut off the criticism.
Bang on, It's worked well for him,And some of the sounds like in Mysterious Ways, streets have no name, Im actually learning bass but wanted to put him through his paces as to get a better feel of my playing along with them,With or without you is great to play to,again,but on bass even that is kept simplistic, U2 were/are/was big,Why such criticism of late?
I appreciate what you'd posted but lets be honest. I am probably a guy who will defend the band at all cost. But the edge is average at best. Not a cords guy but an excellent compliment to BONO. You have to respect and salute the edge to how far he's come.
@@ABN6565 , Van Gogh was also an only average painter, but he invented something different, never seen before. That is why he is more important than others.
@@weizenobstmusli8232 I stand behind my words. A very good band together, but still the Edge is and Average at best guitar player. Actually a Better song wtiter.
Don't worry I hit every show in Baltimore and Philly. It is what I do.
it's not hating, ctho
some more? a lot more, Pride, Bad, I Will Follow, Sunday Bloody Sunday, and still many more...
The solo Edge plays from The Fly is my absolute favorite of all of his incredible pieces. When it’s played live it just soars through the sky, clouds, around the sun and back again. It’s what music is supposed to do.
Im thinking the same about this solo
Same here 💯
Absolutely! I listen to that song from the Live in Boston 2001 DVD quite often. What a fantastic concert.....
Absolutely
@@johnnyappleseed5029 Fortunate to have been at that show. My wife's first show.
Can we just all take a moment to acknowledge that guitar tech, that dude was on it 👏👏👏
@@garyiow8482 Dallas is AWESOME !!!
Dude's gotta be the best in the business.
he used new strings every time too... imagine restringing and tuning 21 guitars for every show....
Say what you want but Edge is an innovator and sounds like no one else. He and Bono have written legendary songs together.
One of the most unique guitarists in the world. And he belongs to the best band in the world too☺
Rick Scicluna his simplicity is actually very complex. who could not like U2?
No he doesn't, he's in U2.
False Teeth
W
still my favourite. If I begun and still play the guitar, it's mostly his fault.
Didn't guns n roses out beat them, i love u2 but their in my top 10 but during that era i would say guns, and ik most of everyone here are for that sweet tone.
Edge is not à technical guitarist with his left hand but his right hand for rythmic is one of the best of world
He’s very talented with both hands and most importantly his ears and mind.
Shredders would die on stage trying to emulate the precision rythmn required to be the edge ! Oh and he is a fantastic backing vocalist aswell !
Can't argue with the success of the U2 phenomenon......and the Edge is a huge part of that.
The Edge is brilliant. He is so humble and just loves to play music. I have to give credit to Dallas thought (Edge's assistant) for always doing the best he can when going on tour with the band. U2 is amazing.
Guitar Tech's/Sound Tech's, the unsung heroes of every major band and or artist...
I kind of love the fact Edge is so up-front about how important Dallas is to his setup. Even here, where he probably didn't strictly need Dallas, the message is like, "Here's Dallas, he's important, let's have him onscreen too." I bet there are a few guitarists out there who rely on their techs just as much and give them a lot less credit!
Dallas is like Edge's short-term memory for his settings and axes, he really depends on him, and only an idiot would ignore the importance of one's tech in that sense.
It's like Warren Haynes and Brian Farmer, who passed away recently. The Farmer used to get applause from audiences regularly. Guitarists who acknowledge their assistants are more human.
and the edge don"t say thank you to dallas...
Nobody talks about the fact that Edge has insane natural time. He is more of a drummer than the actual drummer ...
I love how Dallas knows every setting even better than Edge does. He's awesome and and huge part of making The Edge even greater of a guitarist. They are both wizards at their craft!
I love Edge because he relatable. The man is by no means a virtuoso anything. Has a knack for melody for sure, but he's as real as most of us idiots here. I wonder if Dallas is also his butler at home.
I really really believe that Dallas makes his coffee at home!!!
The Edge is Irish not English...he makes his own coffee and he doesn't have a butler.
If you want to get picky. He was born in England to a Welsh family who moved to Ireland!
shangrilaresort Thanks for clearing that up. Great to see you know how to use Google.
Terrance Hill no need to be a jerk
Dallas has become a celebrity in itself. He writes down every change Edge does in studio, rehearsals, soundcheck & during shows: Dallas jots it down. U2 records everything, so they can go back to get that exact sound. That's what it's all about. You need check out more than just this video tho.
Edge can shred, play trad. blues, all these common, overdone things. Rare occasions for him - but he can but chose not to for his band. Gets all my respect. 1 of a kind, hence the respect from the Vai's
Literally could watch and listen to him all day
The sound and the emotion you get from hearing the sound is always what matters the most in music, not the ability of those creating the music
Love The Edge. So unique with his textures, very creative and also a Humble-guy. oNe LovE from NYC
How can you not love this guy? Humble as anyone can be and he's still at the top of the world. Go make your own fucking documentary and invite who ever you want instead.
I'm not a big U2 fan particularly but love what The Edge has done with the guitar over the years.
Although U2 became this massive stadium act The Edge started out a post-punk guitarist. Post-punk eschewed 'rockist' cliches and was about textures, experimentation, going off in new directions. Over the years he's certainly played plenty of more conventional guitar parts but he's still fundamentally attracted by those post-punk ideas. 'Shred fundamentalists' just don't get this. I can appreciate what Steve Vai does but it doesn't mean I have to denigrate different approaches in the instrument.
I agree. You don't have to be able to shred on guitar to be amazing at it.
Preach brotha man!
Effects are another instrument and it really is an art to utilize them tastefully. Another delay and reverb and effects wizard is Johnny Marr.
@@jimisteel5149 true, although he also has some incredible core guitar skills too!
Well said !
'sometimes I can wake up and....Dallas what's the most beanies I've worn in a day?'
'55'
'And its important because some are more snug than others'
When I was younger I took Edge's contribution to U2''s sound for granted. He doesn't often draw attention to himself in the way other guitarists do but he is so ever-present in their sound.
4:05 Line 6 Variax Accoustic 700. I have it. This is actually one of the best accoustics I've ever played with. It is great for live a presentation because it is very confortable, very light, very easy to play and you have tons of tones inside it. Nevertheless, you don't have to worry with feedback because it is solid.
What an absolute tripper!! Love The Edge. Humble, genuinely gifted man.
Seeing people comment how useless he is with his gear, but to an extent, that's a good thing. He focuses on what he's playing instead of the gear he has and how to use it. He has someone set it up, and explain it to him so he does what he needs. He's got a great ear for tone and music theory. He clearly knows what he's doing in the way of guitar purchases, seeing that all of the ones on the left are superb.
Edge gives his critics the one finger salute when he launched into Zoo Tv tour bullet the blue sky lead. What a legend I can only admire him for his achievements.
Very modern player, in that his "instrument" extends beyond the actual guitar. You could say this makes him more an artist than a musician. But they're all just words - U2's contribution to modern music speaks for itself, and this guy made that happen...
Wow. Fascinating.... so much going on with the guitars, techniques, and production
I wish this was HOURS long.
The Edge is personally one of my favorite guitarists of all time. He cranks out unbelivable tones, and is just plain simply awesome.
Also, Edge hardly ever invented anything. But he's good in discovering ideas, take them on and make it his own. A bit of stealing but in Edge's case he stumbled over a guitar tone that captivated him as teenager and he has since cultivated the style.
"Streets" might be easy to play but that's us discussing something that effectively didn't exist until Edge came up with it. This is a pioneering spirit and on top loved by millions - for that alone he belongs in to the top shelf of guitarists.
An electric guitar is itself and what comes thereafter (effects), and Edge is arguably the artist that has understood this principle at its best.
Edge, thank you for being such a legend
One of the best musicians that ever lived.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
The Edge.. A MASTER at tone, looping, and all around musicianship.
I don't know anyone who can play this riff and make it sound like this. The Edge has absolutely incredible skills. He doesn't spend all his notes or overplay, he really knows how to get the most out of his effects (which takes half a life-time to really nail down) and he has the most recognizable sound in Rock and Pop. He's the Shiz ;)
He's a minimalist. World class.
The Edge is old now and probably has hundreds of settings and uses loads of guitars. Just because he doesn't shredd doesn't mean he can't play. ..check them out live. .he's amazing.
Such a creative guitarist and controls his sound amazingly he has great feel, really respect him
The Edge is the only guitarist I know who uses delays extensively and makes original, beautiful sounds. He's a genius with regards to delays. Difficult to duplicate. Tnx for sharing this video. :-)
the thing i like the most about The Edge is that he is totally devoid of ego, he is down to earth, all about the band and always directs praise away from himself. a true gent and a credit to our country
my god. That infinite guitar sound like an opera singer. It's beautiful.
Guitaristry must truly be one of those skills that lies between science and art. It was cool how it was made noticeable that one guitar would give different undertones to one song than another.
Mind-blowing!
@xxNailFirexx He's using the Korg A3 for this. It's a preset that he slightly tweaked. It's a very unique effect that is pretty much exclusive to the A3. I've heard many trying to emulate that sound using alternative gear but it's never close enough IMO. I bought a second hand A3, selected that preset and there was that Mysterious Ways tone. Same for Zooropa, Numb and a few others.
You are GOD Edge!I've never see this video. I love that sound.Whe will be missing you in Argentina in October!Long live ROCK N ROLL ImI
In essence the effect is a reverb with just the reverbed sound pitch shifted. Edge uses a lot of high end gear for that. Companies such as Line6 and Behringer amongst some other have recreated Edge's sound he refers to as "Shimmer". Look out for the Line6 Verbzilla (preset Octo) and the Behringer Reverb Machine (preset Space). It's his shimmer sound in a stomp box. It's also used on the ZooTV version of Running to stand still, Miracle Drug and a zillion other U2 tunes.
Well said. And beyond that, he's highly melodic, and while he doesn't shred *yawn*, his voicings and progressions are always so memorable. He is definitely unique.
it's u2's rehearsal room in dublin at the quays.
The edge is such an innovative guitarist,
his tech Dallas is equally talented,in different ways , but great to see.
I love that the Edge comes across as an absent minded professor/alchemist in his "Lab" He's like a soul food chef who cooks from the heart "Recipe? What reciple? I just do it"
+sonny A Yes, he's on another planet/dimension channeling soulful vibes to Earth.
absolutely love the edge. he might not shred but he really gets the most out of a guitar's sonic capabilities to make songs
4:07 Edge: “60’s…60’s…50’s…late 50’s…and this is brand new technology…”
Interviewer: “can we see that one?”
😞
Vintage is 😴
Just love the mix of the old with the new. Great clip.
1 aspect of U2 that grates on me and that's the musicians under the stage. I'm glad they aren't on stage as I want to see a 4 piece rock band not an orchestra of session players and I'd rather have U2 reconsider and scale it down - even if it means the songs would require some rewriting.
But the work they've done since on record is IMO actually superior to their 80s output. I'm a fan of especially their debut Boy, Unforg. Fire, Zooropa, Baby but the most recent No Line is massively underrated.
From what I have read, he has worked for over 30 years with his guitar tech Dallas Schoo in a collaborative process to create complex sounds with chains of different guitar effects and guitars, these are different for every album, and sometimes for every song, so yes he needs his tech to show him how to access certain sounds.
I love the Spinal Tap reference there!!!
Great to have these discussion without resorting to some of the insults I've seen on so many posts on You Tube. I was really into U2 when I started teaching myself to play many years ago. I could play but never really 'loved' playing and so drifted to and from the guitar for years. Although I'd always loved F/Mac I'd never watched Buckingham play until 'The Dance' and that was an eye opener. Started to learn fingerstyle and have never touched a pick since. Now I love playing as I should have:)
I think edge is underrated in the effect he's had on guitar sounds. I know Eddie Van Halen created a new way to look at the guitar but Edge is his way has also done that. Just not as dramatic or bombastic but equally significant (in my opinion)
I agree. EVH is perhaps my favorite rock musician but Edge has had a massive influence on guitarists over the years. U2 just became so big that their reach was worldwide. People in the US would find it hard to believe but VH never really became that famous in Europe , UK or the rest of the world outside the US. They certainly were not a household name when I was growing up in the UK but even my Grandma knew who U2 was. You didn't hear too many EVH clones coming out of non US countries, whereas the Edge and U2 had thousands of wannabe clone bands worldwide.
Both guitarists strengths lie in great creative riffs and good songwriting, something which was particularly lost on the EVH clones. They copied the salt and pepper but didn't know how to make the pie.
EVH really is one of my favorites but I think his influence on guitar is overstated and over romanticized.
I know popularity contests don't matter when it comes down to a musicians ability and merit, but they do matter when you talk about how influential somebody is, and on a worldwide level U2 were simply more popular during the 80s, 90s and 2000nds. They are one of the few stadium level bands and their exposure was just so much wider than most other bands.
The Edge kind of picked up where Andy Summers left off with The Police in creating great riffs, beautiful textural tones, creative effects and big sounds without having to resort to high gain.
Makes ya tingle when you hear those sounds that we as fans attach to songs.
dude, keep it in perspective. edge is renown for building his rig. One of the largest pro touring rigs in the world, and he's full in control. His slave as u call him is Dallas Schoo, who's been with Edge for over 20 years, b4 w Prince, etc. Them 2 are friends as much as they work together. Do some Googling b4 posting pot shots.
But man, thanks telling me I'm no musician. Always wondered, now I know. Tough life. Looking at yr profile, u don't seem to make many "friends" here. Wondering why.
When I was a young (I'm a bit older than The Edge), I was REALLY into effects devices. Fuzz (MANY types), flanger, echo, digital delay, chorus, compressor, rack mount, stomp boxes, etc, etc. And what I found is that you can get so caught up in playing with sounds, that you don't spend enough time composing and playing. And then it keeps it all so complicated. Nowadays, I just like a few nice overdrive/fuzz sounds, bit of reverb/clean sound. All those devices begin to OWN you. Simple is better!
The edge is one of my favorite guitarist, he def has a signiture sound that many people myself included try to emulate. but I can help but think of spinal tap and the part where nigel's showing his guitars off "this one, i've never even played this one don't touch it, don't even point at it, stop looking at it."
The Edge can play a guitar, and has a very unique style. And that is what made him a household name.
Dallas is probably plugging in the guitar for him because it's an interview and they don't want to make it seemless. I'm sure Edge does things himself plenty.
Dallas is plugging guitars for him because it's his job as a guitar tech.
To call Dallas Schoo a guitar tech is a gross understatement. He has to keep that enormous rig working (there's some frail vintage pieces in there), he has at least 50 guitars and a dozen amplifiers to maintain. he also goes out looking for new (used) gear in every city on the globe. He's there for this demonstration. I am a Luthier & I teched for a short while, it's grueling on it's own. But to keep the Edge in order is a monumental task. Dallas became a multi millionaire for his work.
When you look into a painting do you like it because of the colors or because the speed in that toke to paint it....just because Edge doenst play super fast solos dosent mean hes not a great player
Dont know wtf are you talking about....hes one of the most down to earth guitarrists
The Edge lays down the canvas that the band paints on. Amazing musician IMHO. 👊🏼
Piyaoooowwwmmm~ mwa~ *kik *kik *kik *Piyaoo Piyaoooowwwmmm~ mwwa~
Yes
The Edge is one of my favorite guitarists. I really admire his multiple tones
The original infinite guitar was invented by Michael Brooke in the mid 1980's and is quite archaic in terms on its construction. Edge used it until the early 90's, then switched to an eBow for some years until Fernandez introduced the Sustainer pickup into their guitars. As player you have a certain freedom to sustain the notes and pick at the same time if wanted to, compared to the eBow where you can't use your right-hand for picking. I assume that's why he's not using the eBow anymore.
He still uses it for The Unforgettable Fire during the 1 performance on the EI Tour
I know nothing of what they mean and I know nothing about playing a guitar or the science behind it. All I know is the sound I hear and the reason I’ve been a fan for over 30 years. ❤️ I met the Edge in Dublin and what a humble lovely soul he’s a gentleman
I love how the edge doesn't have to pick up/change his own guitar. He gets other people to do it for him.
I'd never though the Fly was composed/performed on that guitar! What on earth! Looks like acoustic guitar to me. Edge is a genius.
Jesus, those rack units
I could watch the Edge all day talk about his sonic landscape.. I could ask watch Dallas do his thing as well. What a champion!
cool. no frills, no million notes per second, no smashing anything up..... just cool.
I've been a U2 fan for decades. Have never really thought of The Edge as a guitarist, but more a sound engineer. The feelings and walls of sound he can create are the secret ingredient to the band's success. Many people diss him for not being a shredder or as technically proficient as the big guitar legends, but I'm sure he's fine with that. So many acts have ripped off The Edge's sound to the point where you can even here his signature delays in many rock, pop/dance tracks today. That's probably more the mark of a true influential artist.
Damn, what a great tech! Hopefully he gets paid well.
That would be Dallas Schoo :)
+A Proc He's not just a tech. He's Edge's right-hand man, always at the studio while u2 is recording music and obviously he's with him while on tour.
Genius makes difficult things look easy. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of appearance. This is high grade musicianship
I wish I had my own personal roadie to sort out my effects, maintain my equipment and make sure my beanie is on straight
He's a great guitarist texturally and emotionally, and stands out, no less, because he doesn't need to shred but supports and enhances the songs. Very influencial.
So I wrote this song when I was in Paris: "Hey tech guy! What tune is the song in?"
This song I wrote while on a tour a few years back: "Hey tech guy! What guitar do I play the song on?"
Excuse me I have to go to the bathroom: "Hey tech guy! Carry me to the toilet! And my shoe is untied!"
TheKille22 bro. when you have a repitoire of 100 plus songs...you might forget what guitar or effect is on it...
that I can understand
+TheKille22 Nice one mate, so true. He ain't no Rory Gallagher.
Been a U2 fan for 30+ years. His guitar play is so vitally a part of the U2 sound, his sound is so unique (complex in technology, mood, and cruciality to the music), if not complicated in technique, that without him (with a different guitarist) U2 wouldn't be be themselves. I wouldn't rank him a great technical guitarist, but as a top three most-valuable guitarist to his respective band.
Thanks commenting! I'm very certain, Edge's Spinal Tap references are totally intended. You gotta be able to laugh at yourself and U2 do this very well. U2 have been quoting Spinal Tap on numerous occasions and are well aware that some of their overblown antics are quite comical. Over the years I experienced a very subtle humour the band pokes at themselves for being in the position they are. They are very aware of it and personally I think it's one of many aspects that makes them a great band.
I remember back in 1992 or so, when Mysterious Ways was out, I had a guitar rig that included one of the first Zoom processors. I think it was a 5050 (maybe I am wrong), but it nailed the Mysterious Ways sound perfectly! My housemates were in awe!
How can you not even know which guitar is which? He must have played them hundreds of times...
That’s 40 years worth of material
I’ve been a professional dancer for 24 years
And even for me it’s difficult to remember some of my early material even if I have my crewmates round me. it’s the same thing 🙏🏼
Luv his face at the end, he’s just so happy
You know you've gone overboard with effects when you need a guitar tech... at home. :P
I laughed when I saw the 'roadie' too.
That's Dallas Schoo, and it's not his home lol
If I could have all those guitars and amps and pedals to play with, I would also want a mate to talk about it with. Sounds like man-cave heaven to this guitarist!
It's a team. He knows how to keep the Edge's flow going. Dallas is probably the best guitar tech out their. Paid a fortune for what he does, and what he does he loves. Not a bad life is it?
@@fossilmatic absolutely man. Lonely at the top. Dallas is a genius with guitars. The Edge says can you...and Dallas has already done it. Synergy is a beautiful thing.
Thanks for the video, what a legend !
Haha 5:48 he's like Dallas, what do I pay you for?
This man can make an atmosphere because he's very talented. It doesn't make sence if he uses a big rig or even some stomppedals like in the earlier days. He knows exactly what to expect from each pedal and how to combine them together. His timing with his delay-units is awesome. David Gilmore was also a guy who figured this out in his own style. I've a Boss Gt-6 and do come close but it's a matter of tweaking,tweaking and tweaking. And after that....The real man is called The EDGE !!!
For all the people baffled that The Edge has his guitar tech there, the reason is because he has no idea how to setup his own rig. He didn't even know which guitar at one point here. The Edge says, "I need this tone, this sound, and this..." The guitar tech figures out what equipment/amps/effects/guitar needed to give him that, and sets it all up. The Edge plays the guitar, and knows what happens we steps on what button. A NASCAR driver might be a helluva a racer, but that doesn't mean he knows jack shit about being a mechanic.
+Alex M Actually that's untrue, Alex. Dallas sets it up, but the construction of the rig is something Edge is totally involved in. He knows his rig well enough to put it together and take it apart himself. The fact is there are just so many guitar changes and guitars to handle, that he can't do a show without Dallas and his assistance. Just too much going on, however, Edge knows the rig inside and out. He's a clever chap.
And the guitar changes are just for fun - he uses standard tuning on ALL of them except the tele and lap steel.
"And the guitar changes are just for fun"
Wow, sucker alert...
It's all about their sound.
Alex M the Edge is properly anal about the tone being perfect
Love the smile on his face each time e demonstrates a guitar. :D
His guitar tech knows more about his gear and setups than himself lol
yeah well, it is his job, isn't it? xD
Realmente la virtud , el talento, y humildad es lo que caracteriza a este gran, pero GRAN MUSICO, GRACIAS DAVE EVANS POR ESOS ACORDES FANTÁSTICOS Y PERFECTOS QUE SIEMPRES DAS A TU PÚBLICO!!!
Sorry, I can't play this part without my tech showing me how to work my rig.....
Roger Sullivan at some point you gotta just have the tech play the guitar, worked for Red Hot Chili Peppers
Roger Sullivan he's got 100+songs, who on earth would remember all of it without help??
Costa Nostra The same way every other guitarist worth their salt does?
Roger Sullivan I thoght the same, but I remember that it is a necessity to have thechs to put those big shows, even small bands need techs.
Roger Sullivan His setup is done in a way where all his pedals, amps and rack effects are linked up in parallel to a programmable midi routing/switching system, this is so his live sound is not compromised (unlike most bands who only use a couple of 'alright' all round effects during the whole gig for convenience) So he probably has over a hundred song bank's of presets and in each bank there can be 3-4 presets of sounds for different parts of a song. On top of this his guitars all need to be set up correctly for each song e.g fernandes sustainer. These are all things that the majority of gigging guitarists will never have to consider as they ham out a crappy sounding sweet home alabama straight through a marshall amp with the tone all wrong. It may be complicated and he may need his tech to help him but it beats tap dancing on a dozen pedals or, even worse, compromising on your sound with a watered down setup.
I liked the Edge's soundtrack for the movie "Captive"...very pretty acoustic track in there.
Love that soundtrack, you might be thinking of "Rowena's Theme".
+WookieeWarrior Yup, thats a good track along with the others on that album. "One foot in heaven" etc..
Anyone can learn to play any song, some are brilliant some aren't, only a select few can write and compose great song which he has played a big part in throughout the career of U2. THE INTRO FOR streets is a great example, simple but what an epic opening to a masterpiece album.
He makes the guitar sing, many technically astute players don't have an ounce of talent creatively that the Edge has.
I love the way he has a guy taking his guitars and everything.
U2 rocks